One of Star+’s main launches in May, the Argentine series Planners came to streaming promising to be a light and humorous dramedy, and in fact it drew attention in the first few chapters. Starring soap opera veteran Celeste Cid and directed by newcomer Daniel Barone, the production won over with its premise, but soon got lost in the script and left a little to be desired.
The first chapters begin by showing Malena Carregal, a young, beautiful and determined woman who is facing a divorce. In addition to separating from her husband, the petulant Marcos (Gonzalo Valenzuela), she also loses her job, since she worked at his events company. So, desolate and without many prospects, she finds herself lost and not knowing which way to go.
Everything changes, however, when the lively Cali (Leticia Siciliani) — her old friend — arrives in the city and together they start to do events with Carregal, a company that grows little by little, as more jobs come up.
It is from this point that the plot of Planners begins to unfold and in fact it turns out to be a fun drama, mixing moments of humor with doses of melancholy. Celeste is responsible for carrying much of the plot on her back and is not displeased in front of the cameras.
Those who are used to seeing her on stage (generally people who live in Argentina, as her works are not as popular in Brazil) will not be disappointed. The actress, so used to bigger serials, knew how to fit in very well with the rhythm of the series.
Another pleasant surprise is Letícia Siciliani, who also comes from soap operas and has adapted well to production. Her character is fun and lively, but carries a dramatic dose of being in an abusive relationship.
Poorly developed characters hinder the plot of the series
The big problem of Planners begins precisely when new characters are added to the plot. In addition to the two friends, we are introduced to Ray (Marcos Montes), Franco (Alan Daicz), Javier (Matías Recalt), among others. Interesting characters who, because they are so poorly presented, end up becoming irrelevant in the story.
Javier, Malena’s son, is a nice young man who is in crisis with his youth. Without being able to talk properly with his mother and without his father listening attentively, he feels lost, not knowing which direction to take. At one point, he even becomes romantically involved with an employee of Malena, but this arc is also quickly set aside.
Without a better worked plot, your story gets loose in the plot and almost becomes silly – the typical teen dramatist. But he is not the only one who suffers from the script. Malena and Cali’s own partners and friends, despite being important elements, appear only as a support point.
And those who think that only supporting actors suffer are mistaken. The history of Cali itself leaves much to be desired. We know that she suffers from an abusive relationship, but we don’t really know this boyfriend and we don’t even know why and how this relationship happened. Another who appears on the scene, but without much depth, is Marcos (Malena’s ex-husband). Who is he? How was the relationship between the two? Why did it end? These are some of the many questions that remain unanswered.
Despite all these problems, it must be recognized that the characters are, for the most part, endearing and charismatic. The cast fit perfectly into the plot, making the series enjoyable to watch. The episodes aren’t too long and go by quickly. Until halfway through, the work looks very promising, and it’s only towards the end that we realize that the ends will really come loose.
A possible second season will have the opportunity to solve these problems, but it will need a very sharp text so as not to lose the public’s attention.
Costumes help tell the story
Regarding photography and costumes, Planners hit it hard. Making use of the natural beauties of Buenos Aires, the series has breathtaking scenarios. The highlight is the episode in which Malena and Marcos venture down a road in search of Javier and explore the local landscape.
Although beautiful, it is worth mentioning that such scenarios are far removed from the reality of the majority of residents of the Argentine capital, who live in houses and streets that are much more modest than those presented in the production.
The costumes, in turn, help tell the story. In a press conference, Celeste Cid told the Canaltech that her character would abuse more sober tones and objects, leaving excesses aside. In fact, Malena’s clothes are mostly white, black and beige, but sometimes she dares in lime and this reinforces her energetic personality even more.
Cali, on the other hand, has a wardrobe filled with vibrant tones such as purple, pink, green and red, and the pieces are essential to reinforce the character’s fun personality and high spirits.
Feminism also has its place.
At the press conference, Celeste also said that Planners it would not be a series that would necessarily raise the feminist flag, but the plot would end up touching on this issue. In fact, she got it right.
Written by three women (Mariana Wainstein, Maria Zanetti and Luz Marquez) alongside Pablo Rossi, the work is not an ode to feminist power, but reinforces at all times that women can (and should) do whatever they want. Tired of being in her husband’s shadow, Malena gathered her strength and together with another woman, managed to get her life back on track.
fun, more rasa
Finally, what can be concluded from Planners is that the series is really fun, light and relaxed. Created by Barbara Diez, a famous event organizer from Argentina, the production hits the theme, but by not delving into the plot it becomes shallow, just like an advertisement.
A next season can still save the work, which hit the nail on the head by bringing Celeste Cid as the protagonist. Who wants to give a chance to Plannersyou can now watch the production on Star+.
